Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, said on Friday that French forward Christopher Nkunku will play for the team for the first time this season when they take on Sheffield United this weekend.
After joining from RB Leipzig in July, Nkunku had surgery to treat a preseason knee injury.
He is able to participate, yes. That’s excellent news, “Pochettino said at a press conference.
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“To be involved tomorrow and be in the squad and to feel the competition after the pre-season is good news for us. We need to be calm and quiet so not to put all the pressure on him. Now he’s going to evolve, know the Premier League.”
Since the beginning of the season, Chelsea has struggled with injuries, and last weekend’s 2-0 loss against Everton brought more unwelcome news. Three players left the game with injuries.
After suffering a similar injury against Everton, Reece James—who had previously missed seven league games this season due to a hamstring issue—had to be replaced after just 27 minutes.
“I prefer not to talk too much now. He’s a little bit down because he was very excited to come back,” Pochettino said.
How we built him back was step by step, it was in a perfect way, we tried to build his confidence and full recovery and for him it’s difficult to accept, very frustrated.“
In the Everton match, defender Marc Cucurella and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez also sustained injuries.
Djordje Petrovic, the substitute keeper, made his Chelsea debut after joining from New England Revolution in August.
Pochettino is certain he can rely on the Serbian keeper after playing the final six minutes of Everton’s match.
“Of course, I have faith in all of my players,” the manager said.
“He arrived at Chelsea because we believed he had great potential. Now after four or five months working with us is the moment for him to step up and feel good because we have the confidence in him.
“Now he’s about to make his debut, at Stamford Bridge, and yes, we trust that he can perform in the way we want.”
Pochettino discussed the challenges the team has encountered due to the numerous setbacks in injuries.
“It’s like when you live in a house and suffer problems and need to delay. That in football happens when you’re involved in a project to build something.
“We need to build a structure and take more time. I have no doubt, in the end we are going to succeed.”
Chelsea, with 19 points, is currently 12th in the standings after losing their last two away games to Manchester United and Everton.
This Saturday, they will play host to Sheffield United, who are at the bottom with 8 points.